RACE SUMMARY

Hero MotoSports Team Rally completed the first of the twelve stages of the world’s toughest rally delivering an impressive result. Competing in the premier Rally GP Class, the two Hero riders Ross Branch and Nacho Cornejo successfully navigated the challenging terrain, securing top-10 finishes and setting the tone right for a promising rally campaign.

Ross Branch, fresh from his podium finish at the Prologue, continued his impressive form, crossing the finish line with the third-fastest time in Stage 01. The Botswanan hero looks in great rhythm and looks poised for a strong rally campaign. His teammate from Chile – Nacho Cornejo also delivered a solid performance, securing the 9th position.

Sebastian Bühler's Dakar campaign came to an abrupt end today after an unfortunate crash at km 68, leaving him with a shoulder injury. The Portugal athlete was looking in great form and finished in the top 10 yesterday, but will now focus on his recovery. His teammates Ross Branch and Nacho Cornejo will carry the team's flag forward in the rally.

Following a steady start at the Prologue, the Dakar Rally contenders tackled their first full stage today, departing as early as 5 AM. The 500 km loop, situated in the desert south of Bisha, pushed riders to their limits. The inaugural full stage of the Dakar 2025 was a mentally and physically draining experience, signaling that this year's rally will be a true challenge, even for the most seasoned competitors. The stage featured a diverse range of surfaces, including treacherous sand, rocky, and stony terrain, demanding constant adjustments in speed.